William T Dillon Child Study Center

I have two kids at this school both started in Pre-K. I wasn't sure what to expect because while most reviews are positive there are few very negative ones. In my experience over the past several years I can say that I feel so lucky to be a part of the PS 11 community. The Principal knows every student's name, she is always walking the halls, in the cafeteria and at every school event. This year they added two additional assistant principals, any emails I've sent have been answered same day. The school did increase in size this year (not surprising because its so wonderful more families want to come) so I can see how a new family might feel lost, but there are so many people to reach out to - class parents, PTA, School Leadership Team, teachers, aides - and if you raise your hand and ask for help people are happy to assist. They have regular coffee with the principal sessions where you can come and ask questions. The teachers have "office hours" every Tuesday afternoon to talk to parents about any concerns. In my experience the teachers are very communicative about your child's progress and work with you to come up with a plan for areas where your child may need extra help. There are lots of opportunities for parents to come into the classroom to help teach or to volunteer at lunch or chaperone trips. These help the school but also help you get a sense of what your child's day is like. The school holds a lot of events to build community - Back to School Party, Halloween Party, Lunar New Year celebration, Skate Party, Yoga in the morning, food bank drives etc. that happen on the weekends and evenings. These are excellent ways to connect with other families and the principal is always there (I think she sleeps at the school :). The school takes academics seriously by challenging students to do their best but they also focus on providing a well rounded experience - cultural celebrations, fun and educational field trips, swimming for all 3rd graders, and enrichment like art, karate, music of some sort (violin, African drumming chorus, band) and Spanish -for Every grade. But as a public school they can only do so much so they rely on having engaged parents. This school pours into these kids. My kids have really thrived here.

Our child had an awful experience here, finding none of the teachers very engaging, almost no fun projects and after school activities were fine but not nearly the variety and fun of other schools. The primary teacher was quite bad - his performance rapidly dropped over a few months and anytime we tried to ask the teacher about it, she displayed a total lack of interest or any familiarity with what he was actually doing. Worksheets and quizzes that made it home often were confusing, filled with typos, and in some cases directly contradictory to what was being taught. Tests had questions incorrectly graded, work was often (mis)graded by other students and never checked by the teacher. In all, our child significantly backslid over a few months, we felt completely ignored and blown off about any of our concerns, and our child's love of school and learning evaporated. We brought our concerns to the administration and they addressed some of them, but when we finally made the decision to leave mid-year, they had no interest in hearing or discussing our concerns. In addition to our concerns, we heard from many other parents that had similar issues with he quality of the instruction. Additionally, parents invovled on committees through the PTA frequently resigned their position, as they were blocked by the school from affecting any change (fundraising, field trips, etc. )

Parent of pre-K student. The school has been drastically improving on all levels for the past 4 years and the results are already visible. Great experience as a parent, our kid is learning in a nurturing and supportive environment. The PS 270 team is professional, available, personable and genuinely cares about the kids.

A Transformative Experience at Greene Hill SchoolOur family is deeply grateful for the years our son spent at Greene Hill School, attending from 5th through 8th grade. His time at GHS was not only academically enriching but personally transformative — a true launching pad into high school and beyond.Greene Hill has a remarkable way of preparing students to be engaged, curious, and proactive learners. The progressive education model they champion is not just theory — it shows up every day in the classroom, on field trips, in student-led projects, and in the way teachers build authentic relationships with their students. Our son graduated with a strong sense of self, the confidence to speak up and advocate for his ideas, and a deep understanding of how to think critically and creatively. These qualities have helped him thrive from the onset in his Manhattan high school, where he continues to stand out for his thoughtful participation, leadership, and collaborative spirit.What sets GHS apart is its commitment to nurturing the whole child. The school community encourages intellectual risk-taking, emotional growth, and real-world learning. The teachers are inspiring — not only skilled educators but caring mentors who truly see each child. The mixed-grade advisories, the art and project-based curriculum, and the emphasis on community and equity all work together to create a learning environment that rich and deeply human.As a parent and involved community member, I’ve also witnessed firsthand the dedication behind the scenes — from strategic planning to maintaining a sliding scale tuition model that invites families from diverse backgrounds to be part of something meaningful and future-focused. It’s rare to find a school that is so clear in its values and so joyful in its execution. This isn’t a school stuck in old paradigms — it’s a place that sees and responds to the evolving needs of children, society, and the world they are stepping into.We carry our Greene Hill years with immense pride and gratitude. It is a place where children are not only educated but empowered— a true gem in Manhattan/Brooklyn’s educational landscape.

We started at a different charter in Brooklyn and switched to Compass mid-year. I am SO HAPPY to be part of this community. The balance of learning, academics, play, community and social issues is just incredible. My children are THRIVING! My son was previously in special reading groups as he needed more help and after a few weeks at Compass everything just "clicked" for him and he is back on track! They are learning about important social (anti-bias) issues and also getting music and sustainability education. It truly feels like a community.